Job Discussion Forums

Laura C · Joined: 14 Oct 2003 Posts: 211 Location: Saitama

I was in the same position as Tammy. I was really nervous before going to Japan -- I was very shy due to an accident I had before uni that just seemed to change the way I related to people (I had been very outgoing previously). I spent the months before leaving lying awake telling myself I was making a huge mistake. But I knew as soon as I arrived at Narita that I'd done the right thing. Sure, the first few months were hard, especially being shy and teaching high school students, but the decision to go was the best I ever made. I overcame my shyness and got my 'old self' back, and felt so much more confident after I came back. I really don't know where I'd be if I hadn't had that year in Japan -- my shyness probably wouldn't have gone away and I probably wouldn't have done half the things I have.

I worked with homeless people in my last job, many of whom had low self-esteem and confidence. I used to always recommend things like Raleigh International to many of them. I can't stress enough that I think travelling is such a positive thing to do. OK, I am only speaking from personal experience, but I can't see it having an overwhelmingly negative effect on anyone. There are a very few places I have been to that I haven't enjoyed -- still glad I went, though.

Best of luck to the original poster in whatever you decide to do. Very Happy

L

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

I can't think of one thing worse than regret. Suppose you never go and then get old wondering what might have happened...

I left my teaching job because the thought of still teaching in an ESL classroom at 40 (earning crap money in London) left me cold. So I went travelling, thinking that it would be for a year at best.

A year turned into much, much longer. It was the best thing I did, as nothing can substitute for breathing a different air, eating different food, learning a different culture.

And at the back of my mind was the thought (I am waiting for the comments of "how could you be so callous") that even if I completely screwed up, it was only for a year and I could always return. OK, I know that you should always give your best, and I fully intended to. It was just that I always had that security net of being able to return.

Well, I didn't screw up - at least not yet. I still live abroad, and I am still glad that I made that choice to see a bit of the world. Oh, and the money's a lot better.

tammy · Joined: 07 Jan 2004 Posts: 45

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I agree with Denise. It's sad if this forum is driving people away from teaching overseas. I'm glad I was teaching before there was Dave's, but I am pretty stubborn and don't think I would have listened to people. However, not everyone is cut out for this lifestyle.

When a newbie reads this and they read 100 posts or so, I'm sure the 15-20 negative ones will have a far greater effect on them than the 80 good ones. It is natural to do so.